United Way to host program explaining poverty problems

EAST CALN – The United Way and Leadership Chester County will help in hosting a poverty simulation on Nov. 8 at the Downingtown Area School District’s administrative offices.

The program, which will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is designed to help participants understand the challenges of low-income and other disadvantaged individuals and families who seek self-sufficiency, and, at times, survival.

The simulation is also an addition to Leadership Chester County’s curriculum in training nonprofit board leaders, which lasts for eight months. The 15-topic leadership development course is designed to educate individuals in governance, ethics, and the organizational aspects of serving on nonprofit boards. Students of the program undergo an interactive and thorough program with other sessions, including Nonprofti Fiscal Management, Board Fiduciary Responsibility, Strategic Planning, Board Governance and Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy.

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The curriculum has been extended to the include United Way of Chester County’s Community Investment volunteers and other select community members. About 40 students in the current class reflect a range of professional and volunteer experiences, including nonprofit and public health program managers, lawyers, financial and operations managers, IT and marketing business leaders, and a retired professor.

The facilitator, Mike Givler, recently retired from the Chester County Department of Community Development. Givler is practiced in presenting and debriefing a variety of participants.

This learning experience was formed through a partnership with Leadership Chester County, United Way of Chester County, Chester County Department of Community Development, and the Downingtown Area School District. The program also receives guidance from West Chester University and Chester County’s Chamber of Business & Industry.